Fig and Walnut Bread

Ingredients

All-purpose flour

2 cups

Baking powder

1 teaspoon

Salt

1/2 teaspoon

Unsalted butter

1/2 cup, softened

Granulated sugar

3/4 cup

Eggs

2 large

Milk

1/2 cup

Vanilla extract

1 teaspoon

Dried figs

1 cup, chopped

Walnuts

1/2 cup, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
6. Fold in the chopped dried figs and walnuts gently until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Slice and serve the fig and walnut bread warm or at room temperature. It's delightful on its own or topped with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite spread.